News Broadcasting
Piers Wenger is ‘Dr. Who’ executive producer
MUMBAI: BBC has announced that Piers Wenger is to take over the helm as executive producer for Doctor Who’s fifth series and will become BBC Wales head of drama. Piers is to succeed Julie Gardner who leaves that role in January 2009.
In India, the show airs on BBC Entertainment, which is available on Tata Sky.
Piers, who was the producer of Housewife, 49 with Victoria Wood, says, “I’m incredibly excited to be associated with BBC Wales. The success of the drama team there has been extraordinary, and I look forward to taking the team to even greater heights. Working with Julie Gardner on Doctor Who over the next year will provide an invaluable insight into the secrets and success of the series. I couldn’t have a more inspiring leader.”
BBC Wales controller Menna Richards said, “I’m delighted Piers is joining the BBC Wales team, and I’m confident he can build on Julie’s huge successes. Julie has helped transform drama production – not only at BBC Wales but across the BBC.
“She is an extraordinarily creative and dynamic leader. I am full of gratitude and admiration for her achievements at BBC Wales, which will of course continue over the coming months. We owe her a huge debt.”
Gardner said, “I know that when I hand over my sonic screwdriver to Piers for season five of Doctor Who, it’ll be to someone who loves and understands the show.
“Doctor Who is the most precious TV drama in the galaxy, and I’m leaving it in safe and brilliant hands. I’ve been on the trip of a lifetime in the last five years with the finest writers, actors and crew, and I’ve got another 18 months of time travel to enjoy.”
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
